On August 26 this year, a massive debris flow struck the border area between Nepal and China, killing 1,500 people in the two countries. More than 5,000 people, including 5 Japanese nationals, are still missing. On October 26, two months after the disaster, TBS NEWS DIG reported on the situation in the affected areas and on international support efforts.
In the affected areas of Nepal, the restoration of infrastructure is accelerating, including the construction of temporary bridges and roads to support residents' movement and the transport of supplies. Meanwhile, a UN fund that responds to "loss and damage" caused by climate change has secured 21.6 million dollars, or about 3.4 billion yen, to support Nepal. This is the first time since the fund was established in 2022 that it has contributed to support for a specific country.
However, the cost of recovery is estimated to exceed 700 billion yen, and the Government of Nepal is calling for further international support. According to local media, Nepalese authorities announced on October 25 plans to strengthen flood early warning systems and to lower the water levels of glacial lakes at high risk of disaster.
Key points
- A UN fund responding to climate-related "loss and damage" has, for the first time, contributed to support for a specific country (Nepal)
- In the affected areas, infrastructure such as temporary bridges and roads is being restored to support daily life and logistics
- Preparations for future disasters are also under way, including stronger early warning systems and plans to lower the water levels of dangerous glacial lakes
Why This News Matters
"Loss and damage" is an issue that countries vulnerable to the effects of climate change have long urged the international community to address. The fund's first delivery of resources to the affected areas of a single country can be seen as a step in which international solidarity is taking concrete shape.
At the same time, compared with the estimated cost of recovery, this support is only a beginning. It is important to keep paying attention so that efforts to rebuild people's lives, and disaster preparedness such as measures for glacial lakes, continue.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“What stood out to me was that the UN fund for loss and damage has, for the first time since it was founded, provided money to a specific country. With recovery expected to cost over 700 billion yen, the support feels like only a starting point.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I agree with Aoba that the support is only a starting point. Even so, temporary bridges and roads are going up, and people and supplies are starting to move again, which gives me hope. Preparing for the glacial lakes is also a step toward protecting lives.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“From what you both said, I could sense that relief for the disaster and preparation for the next one are moving forward together. I find quiet encouragement in seeing a global system to support countries hit by climate change finally begin to take shape.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“This is a major disaster in which many people lost their lives and many are still missing. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone affected.
As an opportunity to think about how climate change, disasters and international cooperation are connected, please read the original article as well.”